Daily Readings - Thu Aug 10 2017

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 9.6-10

⁶But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:⁹As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Gospel - John 12.24-26

John

Chapter 12

²⁴Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.²⁵He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.²⁶If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of generosity, self-sacrifice, and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our generosity is not just about giving material resources but also about the spirit in which we give. St. Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver and that when we give freely and joyfully, He multiplies our efforts, providing us with everything we need to do good works. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s abundance and to cultivate a heart of gratitude and openness. The Gospel from John takes this idea a step further by linking generosity to self-sacrifice. Jesus uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit. He teaches us that true life comes not from clinging to ourselves and our comforts but from surrendering our lives for the sake of others. This is the heart of discipleship: following Christ means embracing a life of service and love, even when it requires sacrifice. Jesus promises that those who lose their lives for His sake will find true, eternal life. These readings call us to examine our lives and ask: Are we living with a spirit of generosity and self-giving love? Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we hold back, fearing scarcity? Jesus’ words remind us that our lives are not our own but are meant to be offered in service to others. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to be “cheerful givers” in every sense—whether through our time, talents, or resources. By doing so, we not only reflect God’s love but also become instruments of His grace in the world. May we trust in His promise that our sacrifices will bear fruit, both in this life and in the life to come.